US20090323371A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20090323371A1
Application number: US12/473,148
Authority: US
Inventors: Ho-Han Ryu; Tae-Seok Kim; Jin-Gwan Kim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-06-27
Filing date: 2009-05-27
Publication date: 2009-12-31
Also published as: US8434926B2; KR20100001566A

Abstract

In a light source apparatus, a method of manufacturing the light source and a backlight assembly having the same, a light guide plate (LGP) includes an upper surface and a lower surface facing each other and a first side surface and a second side surface. The light source is placed in the LGP adjacent to the first side surface and emits light toward the second side surface. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the light source and partially placed in the LGP. The light source may include a lamp or a light-emitting diode (LED). The power supply unit may include a wire or a power supply substrate. The light source apparatus may be formed by an injection molding process using lower and upper mold frames. Therefore, backlight assembly size, the number of parts and manufacturing steps may be decreased, and the illumination quality may be improved.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 2008-61522, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on Jun. 27, 2008, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a light source apparatus, a method of manufacturing the light source apparatus, and a backlight assembly having the light source apparatus. In particular, the light source apparatus is used in a display apparatus as a backlight source.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a display panel assembly and a backlight assembly which provides backside illumination. The display panel assembly displays images with the light. The backlight assembly is classified as either an edge illumination type or a direct illumination type.

In the edge illumination type backlight assembly, a lamp is placed on a side surface of a light guide plate (LGP). In the direct illumination type backlight assembly, a plurality of lamps is placed under a display panel. The backlight assembly may include many parts and have a complex structure.

For example, the edge illumination type backlight assembly may include several parts, such as a reflector surrounding the lamp, and a lamp holder which holds the lamp and connects wires. In particular, ground wires among power supply wires are separately assembled with a mold frame after a lamp module is assembled with the mold frame containing the LGP. The number of assembly steps and the size of the module may be increased, and wire insulation may be broken from the tightness. Also, the lamp and connection portion may be damaged during manufacturing.

When light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are placed on a side surface of the LGP, light efficiency may be decreased because distances between the LEDs and the side surface of the LGP may be larger than optimized.

SUMMARY

This section summarizes some features of the invention, but it should not limit all the aspects of the invention disclosed in this application.

The present invention provides a light source apparatus having improved light efficiency and is easy to assemble; a method of manufacturing the light source apparatus; and a backlight assembly.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a light source includes a light guide plate (LGP), a lamp and a power supply unit. The LGP includes an upper surface and a lower surface facing each other, and a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other, the first side surface and the second side surface being connected to the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively, so the four surfaces form a rectangular box. The lamp is placed at the LGP adjacent to the first side surface and emits light toward the second side surface. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the light source and a portion of the power supply unit is placed in the LGP.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the light source may include a lamp tube, a first electrode and a second electrode. The lamp tube is placed at the LGP to face the first side surface. The first electrode is connected to a first end of the lamp tube. The second electrode is connected to a second end of the lamp tube at the opposite side to the first end.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a light source apparatus. The method includes a lower mold frame with a forming recess which has a shape like an LGP. A lamp is placed to face one recess surface on the forming recess. The lamp module includes a lamp, and two wires at the two electrodes. Then an upper mold frame is placed on the lower mold frame. Molding resin is injected into the forming recess surrounding the lamp module. A light source apparatus is then separated from the lower and upper mold frames. The light source apparatus includes the LGP which is formed of the molding resin in the forming recess and the lamp module located in the LGP.

The present invention may also includes, forming in the lower mold frame a first fixing bar having a first curved surface surrounding a portion of an outer surface of the lamp; forming in the upper mold frame a second fixing bar having a second curved surface surrounding a portion of an outer surface of the lamp. The lamp may be placed on the first and the second curved surface to face the first recess side surface. Suction holes may be formed through the first curve surface and the lamp may be held on the first curved surface by the suction holes.

Another aspect of the present invention is a backlight assembly that includes a container and a light source apparatus. The container includes a bottom plate and sidewalls extending from the bottom plate. The light source apparatus includes an LGP, a light source and a power supply unit. The LGP includes a lower surface facing the bottom plate and an upper surface facing the lower surface, a first side surface between the lower and upper surfaces and a second side surface facing the first side surface. A light source is placed in the LGP adjacent to the first side surface and emits light toward the second side surface. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the light source and a portion of the power supply unit is placed in the LGP.

The container may further include a light source guide part which extends from the first-side surface-facing sidewall to the upper surface of the light guide. The backlight assembly may further include a reflective sheet, placed in between the bottom plate, the LGP, the sidewall, the first side surface, the light source guide, and the upper surface of the LGP.

The invention will reduce the module size, the number of parts in a backlight assembly, and simplify the steps of manufacturing processes for a light source apparatus and the backlight assembly. As a result, lamination quality of the light source apparatus may be improved and external damage to the light source may be prevented. Thus, the present invention may be used in a backlight assembly including an LGP in a flat panel display apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detailed example embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display apparatus including a backlight assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a light source apparatus shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view illustrating the light source apparatus shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating the light source apparatus shown inFIG. 2 for illustrating drawn-out power wires;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display apparatus taken along a line I-I′ inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the light source described inFIGS. 1 to 5.

FIGS. 7 to 10 are process views illustrating the method of manufacturing the light source illustrated inFIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a partial plan view illustrating a light source apparatus in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating the light source apparatus shown inFIG. 11 for illustrating drawn-out power wires;

FIG. 13 is a partial plan view illustrating a light source apparatus in accordance with further another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display apparatus including the light source apparatus taken along a line IV-IV′ inFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view illustrating a light source apparatus in accordance with further still another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display apparatus including the light source apparatus taken along a line V-V′ inFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the light source described inFIGS. 15 and 16;

FIGS. 18 to 21 are process views illustrating the method of manufacturing the light source illustrated inFIG. 17; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display apparatus including a light source apparatus in accordance with further still another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, relative sizes of features, layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is described as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be either directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or via intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe and distinguish various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, they should not be limited by these terms. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section in a different reference without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized example embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present invention. Deviation from manufacturing process and tolerance as such is expected. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have a bevel feature, and there is a gradient of implant concentration at the edges. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may have blurred boundaries.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating adisplay apparatus3 including abacklight assembly100 in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, abacklight assembly100 according to an example embodiment is placed on a rear face of adisplay panel70 and provides light to a rear face of thedisplay panel70 so that image can be displayed. Thedisplay panel70 may be a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). TheLCD panel70 displays the image ruminated by the light provided by thebacklight assembly100. TheLCD panel70 may include alower substrate71 where pixels are formed, anupper substrate73 facing thelower substrate71, a drivingsubstrate75 providing panel driving signals and a flexible printedcircuit film77 connecting the drivingsubstrate75 to thelower substrate71.

Thebacklight assembly100 includes acontainer30 and alight source apparatus5. External electrical power is applied to thelight source apparatus5 and thelight source apparatus5 generates light. Thecontainer30 contains thelight source apparatus5 and supports theLCD panel70 on thelight source apparatus5. Thecontainer30 may include abottom plate32 and sidewalls extending from thebottom plate32. Thecontainer30 may be a plastic-mold and may have a box shape with an upward opening.

Thebottom plate32 has a rectangular shape. An opening is formed on thebottom plate32 for decreasing the weight of thecontainer30. Four sidewalls extend from the edges of thebottom plate32. Afirst sidewall31 and asecond sidewall33 face each other and are substantially parallel with a long side of thebottom plate32. Athird sidewall35 and afourth sidewall37 face each other and are substantially parallel with a short side of thebottom plate32. A guide groove which guides the flexible printedcircuit film77 may be formed on an upper end of thefirst sidewall31. Protrusion portions may be formed on outer faces of the

sidewalls

31,33,35 and37. The protrusion portions may be used in assembling the container with a top chassis coveringLCD panel70.

Thecontainer30 may further include a lightsource guide portion34. The lightsource guide portion34 may extend from the first and

second sidewalls

31 and33, respectively, to be substantially parallel with thebottom plate32. The lightsource guide portion34 is spaced apart from thebottom plate32. Side end portions of thelight source apparatus5 are inserted into a space between thebottom plate32 and the lightsource guide portion34.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating alight source apparatus5 shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 3 is a partial plan view illustrating thelight source apparatus5 shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating thelight source apparatus5 shown inFIG. 2 for illustrating drawn-out power wires.

Referring toFIGS. 2 to 4, thelight source apparatus5 includes a light guide plate (LGP)10, alight source21, and apower supply unit25. In an example embodiment, theLGP10, thelight source21 and thepower supply unit25 are integrally assembled.

TheLGP10 diffuses the light emitted from thelight source21 and provides surface guided light having improved luminance uniformity. TheLGP10 may be formed by an injection molding process using polymer resin which has low thermal conductivity, high chemical resistance, and high mechanical strength. Examples of the polymer resin may, for example, include polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide, polyimide, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc.

TheLGP10 may be a 1 mm thick plate. TheLGP10 may include alower surface13 facing thebottom plate32, anupper surface11 facing thelower surface13, afirst side surface12, asecond side surface14, athird side surface16 and afourth side surface18 contacting thefirst sidewall31, asecond sidewall33, athird sidewall35 and afourth sidewall37, respectively.

Light diffusion holes15 and17 may be formed through peripheral areas of theupper surface11 adjacent to the first and

second sidewalls

31 and33, respectively, to be substantially parallel with thefirst sidewall31 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The light diffusion holes15 and17 may be formed through theLGP10 from theupper surface11 to thelower surface13. Thus, each of the light diffusion holes15 and17 has a first hole surface and a second hole surface that forms the inner sidewalls of the light diffusion holes15,17. The first and second hole surfaces are spaced apart from each other. The first hole surface is closer to thefirst side surface12 than the second hole surface.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating thedisplay apparatus3 taken along a line I-I′ inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 2,3 and5, thelight source21 may be a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). Thus, the reference number of thelight source21 is used for thelamp21. Thelamp21 may include alamp tube22, afirst electrode23 and asecond electrode24. Thelamp tube22 may have a linear tube shape. Thelamp tube22 may be formed of glass or plastic. Discharge gas is filled in the inner space of thelamp tube22. The first and the

second electrodes

23 and24 may be placed at a first end and a second end of thelamp tube22, respectively.

In an example embodiment, thelight source apparatus5 includes a plurality of thelamps21. Thelamps21 are placed in the LGP adjacent to thefirst side surface12 and thesecond side surface14, respectively, Thus, thelamp21 adjacent to thefirst side surface12 is representatively illustrated.

Thelamp21 is placed parallel with thefirst side surface12 in theLGP10, by having thelamp21 placed in anLGP10 mold frame during injection molding process. An outer surface of thelamp21 may be partially exposed through the first hole surface. Thus, a portion of the outer surface of thelamp21 faces the second hole surface. Thus, some of the light emitted from the outer surface of thelamp21 is incident on the second hole surface through air. Light incident on the second hole surface through air is better collimated for diffusion than light traveling directly through theLGP10.

According to an example embodiment, thelamp21 is placed in theLGP10. Thus, additional elements such as a reflector and a holder which are used in fixing thelamp21 may be omitted. Thus, the number of parts included in thebacklight assembly100 is decreased.

According to an example embodiment, theLGP10 is fixed in resin in order to prevent damage to thelamp21. While a back cover may be placed on a rear face of thebottom plate32 of thecontainer30 in a conventional backlight assembly for protecting thelamp21,lamp21 is protected by fixing in theLGP10, and thus the back cover may be omitted.

A plurality of thepower supply units25 may be electrically connected to thelamps21, respectively, and provide thelamp21 with driving power. A portion of thepower supply unit25 is placed in theLGP10 and the rest of thepower supply unit25 is drawn out from theLGP10. Thepower supply unit25 may include afirst wire26, asecond wire27 and aconnector28.

Thefirst wire26 is electrically connected to thefirst electrode23, for example, a hot electrode to which high voltage may be applied. Thesecond wire27 is electrically connected to thesecond electrode24, for example, a ground electrode which is grounded.

Thesecond wire27 may extend between thefirst side surface12 and thelamp21 in the LGP as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The first and the

second wires

26 and27 may be drawn out through thethird side surface16 facing thefirst electrode23 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Theconnector28 may be connected to end portions of the first and the

second wires

26 and27 drawn out from theLGP10.

In an example embodiment, a portion of thesecond wire27 is placed in theLGP10 and insulated by the resin. Thus, additional guide recesses for aligning thesecond wire27 may be omitted.

When thelight source apparatus5 is placed in thecontainer30, thefirst side surface12 ofLGP10 may be inserted between thebottom plate32 and the lightsource guide portion34, and then theLGP10 is slightly bent to insert in thecontainer30. Thebacklight assembly100 may further include areflective sheet41 and anoptical sheet42.

Thereflective sheet41 is placed between thebottom plate32 and theLGP10. Thereflective sheet41 extends between thefirst sidewall31 and thefirst side surface12, and between the lightsource guide portion34 and theupper surface11 of theLGP10. Thereflective sheet41 reflects the light that leaks from theLGP10 toward theLCD panel70.

Theoptical sheet42 may include adiffusion sheet43 and twolight condensing sheets45 which are successively placed on theupper surface11. Thediffusion sheet43 may improve the luminance uniformity of light emitted from theupper surface11. The condensingsheets45 may improve the vertical luminance intensity emitted from thediffusion sheet43.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing thelight source21 described inFIGS. 1 to 5.FIGS. 7 to 10 are process views illustrating the method of manufacturing thelight source21 illustrated inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 6, in a method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus5, injection molding is used for forming thelight source apparatus5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating alower mold frame301 for forming thelight source apparatus5 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5.

Alower mold frame301 for doing a formingrecess310 is provided as shown inFIG. 7 (step S10). The formingrecess310 will holdLGP10 and includes first, second, third and fourth recess side surfaces312,314,316 and318 corresponding to the first, the second, the third and the fourth side surfaces12,14,16 and18 of theLGP10. Afirst fixing bar320 is formed on abottom surface311 of the formingrecess310 and faces the firstrecess side surface312 of the formingrecess310. Thefirst fixing bar320 includes a first curved surface surrounding a portion of the outer surface of thelamp21.

Drawing-outholes319 for drawing out the first and

second wires

26 and27 may be formed through a thirdrecess side surface316 corresponding to thethird side surface16 of theLGP10. Injection holes315 through which molding resin is injected into the formingrecess310 may be formed through a fourthrecess side surface318 corresponding to thefourth side surface18 of theLGP10.

First support protrusions

331 for fixing thesecond wire27 may be formed on the firstrecess side surface312. Thefirst support protrusions331 may be formed of the molding resin and may be included in theLGP10 during the injection molding process.

Thelamp21 and thepower supply unit25 are assembled into alamp module20. Thelamp module20 is placed on the formingrecess310 to face the first recess side surface312 (step S20). Thelamp21 is placed on the first curved surface of the first fixingbar320 to be parallel with the first recess face.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembly of thelower mold frame301 shown inFIG. 7 and anupper mold frame305 taken along a line II-II′.FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembly of thelower mold frame301 shown inFIG. 7 and anupper mold frame305 taken along a line III-III′.

Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, thesecond wire27 is supported by thefirst support protrusions331 formed on the firstrecess side surface312 andsecond support protrusions335 formed on the fourthrecess side surface318. Suction holes325 may be formed through the first curved surface of the first fixingbar320. Thelamp21 may be held on the first curved surface by vacuum suction.

Anupper mold frame305 is placed on the lower mold frame301 (step S30). Asecond fixing bar307 is formed on theupper mold frame305 corresponding to the first fixingbar320. Thesecond fixing bar307 includes a second curved surface surrounding a portion of the outer surface of thelamp21. When a portion of thesecond fixing bar307 is inserted between the first fixingbar320 and the outer surface of thelamp21, the second curved surface makes contact with the outer surface of thelamp21.

The

light diffusion hole

17 or15 is formed through theLGP10 due to the first and the second fixing bars320 and307. The

light diffusion hole

17 or15 exposes a portion of the outer surface of thelamp21 facing thesecond side surface14.

Themolding resin7 is injected into the formingrecess310 through the injection hole (step S40). Themolding resin7 is filled in the formingrecess310 as shown inFIG. 9. Themolding resin7 surrounds thelamp21 except for the portion covered by the first and the second fixing bars320 and307. Themolding resin7 may not damage thelamp21 because the temperature of themolding resin7 may be much lower than the melting temperature of thelamp21.

Thelight source apparatus5 is separated from thelower mold frame301 and the upper mold frame305 (step S50). Themolding resin7 filled in the formingrecess310 is cooled down. TheLGP10 is formed according to the formingrecess310. Thelamp21 is fixed in theLGP10. The first and the

second wires

26 and27 are drawn out from theLGP10. TheLGP10, thelamp21, and the first and the

second wires

26 and27 are assembled into thelight source apparatus5. Unnecessary or rough portions of theLGP10 outside of the lower and upper mold frames301 and305 may be trimmed. As a result, thelight source apparatus5 is manufactured.

FIG. 11 is a partial plan view illustrating alight source apparatus505 in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating thelight source apparatus505 shown inFIG. 11 for illustrating drawn-out power wires.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, alight source apparatus505 in accordance with this example embodiment is similar to thelight source apparatus5 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 except for a different shapelight diffusion hole517, aholder groove515 being further formed on anLGP510 and further including aguide holder529 andsupport portions519. Thus, corresponding reference numbers are used for corresponding elements and repetitive descriptions are omitted.

In this example embodiment, the light diffusion holes517 are formed from anupper surface511 through a lower surface513 of theLGP510 along a first side surface of theLGP510. Alamp521 is partially exposed through the light diffusion holes517. Thesupport portions519 are formed between the light diffusion holes517. Thus, thelight source apparatus505 may be more rigidly held than thelight source apparatus5 is inFIGS. 1 to 5.

Theholder groove515 is formed on thethird side surface516 of theLGP510 corresponding to afirst electrode523 of thelamp521. A first end of thelamp521 is exposed through theholder groove515 and asecond wire527 is drawn out through theholder groove515.

In this example embodiment, thelight source apparatus505 may further include theguide holder529. Theguide holder529 is inserted into the holder groove. The first and the

second wires

526 and527 are guided by theguide holder529 and drawn out from theLGP510. Thus, the first and the

second wires

526 and527 are clearly arranged by theguide holder529 and theguide holder529 protecting the first and the

second wires

526 and527 from long-term damage.

The method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus505 in accordance with this example embodiment is similar to the method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus5 illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 10 except for further assembly of theguide holder529 and additional mold filling oflight source apparatus505 . . . . Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

A backlight assembly according to this example embodiment is similar to thebacklight assembly100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 except for the difference in thelight source apparatus505 illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 13 is a partial plan view illustrating alight source apparatus705 in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating adisplay apparatus703 including thelight source apparatus705 taken along a line IV-IV′ inFIG. 13.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, alight source apparatus705 in accordance with example embodiment is similar to thelight source apparatus5 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 except that there are no light diffusion holes. Thus, corresponding reference numbers are used for corresponding elements and repetitive descriptions are omitted.

In this example embodiment, light emitted from alamp721 is directly transmitted through theLGP710. Thus, external damage to thelamp721 from a foreign substance may be prevented.

A method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus705 in accordance with this example embodiment is similar to the method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus5 illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 10 except that first and second fixing bars have been removed from lower and upper mold frames. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

Abacklight assembly700 according to this example embodiment is similar to thebacklight assembly100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 except for including thelight source apparatus705 illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view illustrating alight source apparatus905 in accordance with further example embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating adisplay apparatus903 including thelight source apparatus905 taken along a line V-V′ inFIG. 15.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, alight source apparatus905 is comprised of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED)921 and apower supply substrate925, and light diffusion holes917 formed through theLGP910 in a row. Thus, corresponding reference numbers are used for corresponding elements and repetitive descriptions are omitted.

In this example embodiment, the light diffusion holes917 are formed from anupper surface911 through alower surface913 of theLGP910 and fixed in a row along afirst side surface912 of theLGP910. Alight source921 is partially exposed through the light diffusion holes917.

Thelight source921 includes a plurality of theLEDs921. TheLEDs921 are placed in a peripheral area of thepower supply substrate925 in a row along afirst side surface912 of theLGP910. TheLEDs921 are placed in theLGP910 so that a light-emitting portion of theLED921 faces asecond side surface914 of theLGP910.

Thepower supply substrate925 is electrically connected to theLEDs921 and placed in theLGP910. Substrate portions of thepower supply substrate925 may be exposed through alower surface913 of theLGP910. Alternatively, thepower supply substrate925 may be completely placed in theLGP910.

Thus, theLEDs921 are placed in theLGP910 and the distance between eachLED921 and a second hole surface is consistent. Therefore, the uniformity of thelight source apparatus905 may be improved, illuminating the needs to fix quality issues from having a point light source.

Abacklight assembly900 according to this example embodiment is similar to thebacklight assembly100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 5 except for thelight source apparatus905 illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing thelight source921 described inFIGS. 15 and 16.FIGS. 18 to 21 are process views illustrating the method of manufacturing thelight source921 illustrated inFIG. 17.

A method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus905 in accordance with this example embodiment is similar to the method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus5 illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 10 except that a first fixing bar has been removed from alower mold frame1001, asubstrate groove1020 on which thepower supply substrate925 is placed is further formed on abottom surface1011 of a formingrecess1010 of thelower mold frame1001. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

Alower mold frame1001 on which a formingrecess1010 is formed is provided as shown inFIG. 18 (step S210). The first fixing bar has been removed from thelower mold frame1001. Thesubstrate groove1020 is formed on thebottom surface1011 of a formingrecess1010 adjacent to the firstrecess side surface1012.Alignment fins1027 are formed on thesubstrate groove1020 andsuction holes1025 are formed through thesubstrate groove1020.

TheLEDs921 and thepower supply substrate925 are assembled into a light source module. The light source module is placed on the substrate groove1020 (step S220). Thepower supply substrate925 may be exposed through thelower surface913 of theLGP910 due to thesubstrate groove1020.

Anupper mold frame1005 is placed on the lower mold frame1001 (step S230). A fixing bar is formed on theupper mold frame1005 corresponding to theLEDs921. The light diffusion holes917 through which theLEDs921 are partially exposed are formed on theLGP910 due to the fixing bar.

Themolding resin907 is injected into the formingrecess1010 through the injection hole (step S240) as shown inFIG. 20. Thepower supply substrate925 is not touching themolding resin907 due to thesubstrate groove1020.

Thelight source apparatus905 is separated from thelower mold frame1001 and the upper mold frame1005 (step S250) as shown inFIG. 21. Unnecessary or rough portions of theLGP910 outside of the lower and upper mold frames1001 and1005 may be trimmed. As a result, thelight source apparatus905 is manufactured.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating adisplay apparatus1203 including alight source apparatus1205 in accordance with further still another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 22, alight source apparatus1205 according to this example embodiment is similar to thelight source apparatus905 illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16 except that light diffusion holes have been removed from theLGP1210. Thus, corresponding reference numbers are used for corresponding elements and repetitive descriptions are omitted.

Thus, a foreign substance entering into theLGP1210 and external damage to theLEDs1221 may be prevented.

A method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus1205 according to an example embodiment is similar to the method of manufacturing thelight source apparatus905 illustrated inFIGS. 17 to 21 except that a first fixing bar has been removed from a lower mold frame. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

Abacklight assembly1200 according to this example embodiment is similar to thebacklight assembly900 illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16 except for including thelight source apparatus1205 illustrated inFIG. 22. Thus, repetitive descriptions are omitted.

As the benefits of the example embodiments of the present invention, module size, the number of parts of a backlight assembly, and steps of manufacturing processes for a light source apparatus and the backlight assembly may be decreased. Also, the illumination quality of the light source apparatus may be improved and external damage to the light source may be prevented. Thus, the present invention may be used in a backlight assembly including an LGP in a flat panel display apparatus.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The present invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

1. A light source apparatus, comprising:

a light guide plate (LGP) including an upper surface and a lower surface facing each other, and a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other, the first side surface and the second side surface being connected to the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively;

a light source placed in the LGP adjacent to the first side surface and emitting light toward the second side surface; and

a power supply unit electrically connected to the light source, a portion of the power supply unit being placed in the LGP.

2. The light source apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the light source comprises:

a lamp tube placed in the LGP to face the first side surface;

a first electrode placed at a first end of the lamp tube; and

a second electrode placed at a second end of the lamp tube being opposite to the first end.

3. The light source apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the power supply unit comprises:

a first wire electrically connected to the first electrode, the first wire being drawn out through a third side surface of the LGP, the third side surface facing the first electrode and connected to the first and the second side surfaces;

a second wire electrically connected to the second electrode, extending between the lamp tube and the first side surface and drawn out through the third side surface; and

a connector connected to end portions of the first and the second wires drawn out through the third side surface.

4. The light source apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein at least one light diffusion hole is formed through the upper surface adjacent to the first side surface along the first side surface, the light diffusion hole including a first hole surface and a second hole surface which are substantially parallel with the first side surface, the lamp tube being partially exposed through the first side surface to face the second hole surface.

5. The light source apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein a holder groove is further formed on the third side surface, the first end of the lamp being exposed through the holder groove, the light source apparatus further comprising a guide holder inserted into the holder groove, the first and the second wires being drawn out through the guide holder.

6. The light source apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the light source is a first light source and the power supply is a first power supply unit, further comprising:

a second light source placed in the LGP adjacent to the second side surface, emitting light toward the first side surface; and

a second power supply unit electrically connected to the second light source and being substantially the same as the first power supply unit.

7. The light source apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

8. The light source apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the power supply unit comprises a power supply substrate on which the LEDs are placed.

9. The light source apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the power supply substrate is partially exposed through the lower surface of the LGP.

10. The light source apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein a plurality of light diffusion holes is formed through the upper surface adjacent to the first side surface corresponding to the LEDs along the first side surface, each of the light diffusion holes including a first hole surface and a second hole surface which are substantially parallel with the first side surface, and the LEDs being partially exposed through the first side surface to face the second hole surface.

11. A method of manufacturing a light source apparatus, comprising:

providing a lower mold frame on which a forming recess is formed, the forming recess having a shape corresponding to a light guide plate (LGP);

disposing a lamp module on the forming recess to face the first recess side surface of the forming recess, the lamp module including a lamp, a first wire and a second wire connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of the lamp, respectively;

placing an upper mold frame on the lower mold frame;

injecting a molding resin into the forming recess, the molding resin surrounding the lamp module; and

separating a light source apparatus from the lower mold frame and the upper mold frame, the light source apparatus including the LGP which is formed of the molding resin in the forming recess and the lamp module placed in the LGP.

12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising forming a first fixing bar on the lower mold frame having a first curved surface surrounding a portion of an outer surface of the lamp, and forming a second fixing bar on the upper mold frame having a second curved surface surrounding a portion of an outer surface of the lamp, the lamp being placed on the first and second curved surface to face the first recess side surface.

13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising forming suction holes are through the first curved surface such that the lamp is held on the first curved surface by suction from the suction holes.

14. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising extending the first and second wires through a third recess side surface which faces the first electrode and extending the second wire between the lamp and the first recess side surface.

15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising forming support protrusions for fixing the second wire are on the first recess side surface.

16. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising forming a light diffusion hole through the LGP due to the first and the second fixing bars and partially exposing the lamp through the light diffusion hole to face a second side surface of the LGP.

17. A method of manufacturing a light source apparatus, comprising:

providing a lower mold frame on which a forming recess is formed, the forming recess having a shape corresponding to an LGP;

disposing a point light source module on a bottom surface of the forming recess to face the first recess side surface of the forming recess, the point light source module including a power supply substrate and a plurality of LEDs;

disposing an upper mold frame on the lower mold frame;

injecting molding resin into the forming recess, the molding resin surrounding the point light source module; and

separating a light source apparatus from the lower mold frame and the upper mold frame, the light source apparatus including the LGP which is formed of the molding resin in the forming recess, the power supply substrate and the LEDs placed in the LGP.

18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising forming a substrate groove on the bottom surface and the power supply substrate is placed on the substrate groove so that the power supply substrate is partially exposed through a lower surface of the LGP.

19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein alignment fins are placed on the substrate groove, alignment holes are formed through the power supply substrate and the alignment fins are inserted into the alignment holes.

20. A backlight assembly, comprising:

a container including a bottom plate and sidewalls extending from the bottom plate; and

a light source apparatus, comprising:

an LGP including a lower surface facing the bottom plate, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, a first side surface between the lower and upper surfaces and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface;

a light source being placed in the LGP adjacent to the first side surface, the light source emitting light toward the second side surface; and

a power supply unit being electrically connected to the light source, a portion of the power supply unit being placed in the LGP.

21. The backlight assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the container further comprises a light source guide portion which extends from the sidewall facing the first side surface to face the upper surface of the light guide, the backlight assembly further comprising a reflective sheet and the reflective sheet is placed between the bottom plate and the LGP, between the sidewall and the first side surface and between the light source guide portion and the upper surface of the LGP.

22. The backlight assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the light source comprises a lamp and the power supply unit comprises:

a first wire electrically connected to a first electrode of the lamp, the first wire being drawn out through a third side surface of the LGP, the third side surface facing the first electrode and being connected to the first and the second side surfaces; and

a second wire electrically connected to a second electrode of the lamp, extending between the lamp tube and the first side surface and being drawn out through the third side surface.

23. The backlight assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of LEDs placed in a row along the first side surface, the power supply unit comprises a power supply substrate on which the LEDs are placed and the power supply substrate is placed between the lower surface of the LGP and the reflective sheet.

24. The backlight assembly ofclaim 21, wherein a light diffusion hole is formed through the upper surface to face the second side surface and the light source is partially exposed through the light diffusion hole to face the second hole surface.